Overview

The AVCRI will provide strategic, operational, and administrative leadership for the Division of Research and Innovation, including oversight of the Office of Sponsored Programs. This role is central to advancing Missouri S&T's research enterprise.

The successful candidate will be an accomplished scholar with a demonstrated record of research excellence and leadership in fostering research growth and development within the research enterprise. The AVCRI will lead efforts to develop and support initiatives, resources, and partnerships that promote research excellence and professional development.

This is a full-time administrative position. Subject to departmental recommendation and qualifications, the appointment includes a tenured faculty position at the appropriate rank within a relevant academic department.

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of this position include:

• Strategic Leadership: Oversee the implementation of the university's strategic plan for research, innovation, and entrepreneurship
• Strategic Proposals: Work with the Office of Sponsored Programs (OSP) and Proposal Development teams to support faculty in pursuing strategic, multidisciplinary proposals that position Missouri S&T at the forefront of research
• OSP and Compliance Oversight: Provide oversight and support to OSP operations and compliance of research regulations, including export control, research security, and federal/state requirements
• Research Infrastructure: Support the Advanced Materials Characterization Core Facility that unites major advanced materials characterization instrumentation on campus
• Support: Collaborate and support Provost's office in relation to PhD recruitment
• Funding and Legislation: Develop specific state and federal funding priorities and education initiatives aligned with Missouri S&T's mission; collaborate with the VCRI to strategize and execute plans that secure funding for our research endeavors including industrial research consortia
• National Private Foundations: Enhance relationships with national private foundations through understanding and identifying faculty activities related to their mission
• Government Relations: Foster and maintain strong relations with state and federal authorities to secure funding and support for our research, innovation, and entrepreneurship initiatives
• Special Projects: Assist the VCRI on internal funding opportunities, organizing research retreats, outreach activities, webinars, and communication initiatives
• Other Duties: As assigned by the VCRI

Minimum Qualifications

Educational Background

A doctoral degree in a relevant field and 10 years of experience with a strong track record of research and innovation and experience with the recruitment and mentoring of Ph.D. students and postdoctoral fellows

Strategic Mindset

Adept at identifying emerging trends and opportunities in research and translating them into actionable strategies

Leadership Experience

Demonstrated success in leading and managing complex research initiatives and teams and a strong background in strategic planning and execution

Research Funding and Management

Proven track record in securing research funding from federal/state-level agencies, foundations, or the private sector in the U.S.

Funding Mechanisms

Clear and informed understanding of U.S. federal- and state-level funding mechanisms and associated policies

Communication Skills

Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and engaging manner

Collaboration Skills

Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, fostering a culture of teamwork and mutual respect

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven success and experience administering grants and contracts at a major research university
• Experience facilitating faculty teams pursuing large interdisciplinary research programs
• A history of interaction with major federal R&D agencies, such as DOD, DOE, NIH, and NSF
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills, with a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive academic environment
• Ability to lead complex initiatives and gain input and buy-in from various stakeholders
• Experience directing export controls and classified federal contracts
• Eligible for a U.S. security clearance

University Information

Missouri S&T is one of the nation's leading research universities with over 100-degree programs in 39 disciplines. It was founded in 1870 as one of the first technological institutions west of the Mississippi River. Located about 100 miles west of St. Louis in the vibrant community of Rolla, Missouri S&T is an accessible, safe, and friendly campus surrounded by Ozarks' scenery. Missouri S&T offers undergraduate degrees in engineering, the sciences, liberal arts, humanities, and business, with M.S. and Ph.D. programs available in many of the science and engineering programs. With over 7,000 students and 300 faculty, Missouri S&T is big enough to accommodate a broad population, yet small enough for individuals to build high visibility and impactful careers. 

Kummer College

Established in 2022, The Kummer College serves as a pathbreaking model for social impact, technology transfer, and interdisciplinary collaboration within a future-oriented STEM-focused university. Supported by the Kummer Institute Foundation at Missouri S&T, this unique college integrates key academic, co-curricular, and administrative activities related to technology commercialization, business innovation and entrepreneurship, systems thinking, and economic development. Within The Kummer College lives several departments: Department of Business and Information Technology (BIT), Department of Economics, Department of Engineering Management and Systems Engineering (EMSE), Kummer Student Programs and the Division of Technology Transfer and Economic Development (TTED).   

College of Engineering and Computing (CEC)

Missouri S&T’s College of Engineering and Computing is the largest of three colleges at S&T, accounting for approximately 80% of the total enrollment (about 4,500 undergraduates and 800 graduate students). The college includes more than 170 ranked faculty members who serve in 16 undergraduate programs, all with master’s and doctoral equivalents organized into nine academic departments. The college recently added a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering and a Ph.D. in bioengineering, both starting in fall 2024. Missouri S&T, supported by the College of Engineering and Computing, is nationally recognized for its career outcomes and ROI. 

College of Arts, Sciences, and Education (CASE)

The College of Arts, Sciences, and Education is a catalyst of innovation, creativity, and discovery, where students and faculty work side-by-side to create and share knowledge and understanding. From arts and humanities to the natural and social sciences, the College of Arts, Sciences, and Education has a program for everyone. The College of Arts, Sciences, and Education (CASE) is made up of eleven units including Air Force ROTC, Army ROTC, Arts, Languages and Philosophy, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, English and Technical Communication, History and Political Science, Mathematics and Statistics, Physics, Psychological Science, and Education.  The college is home to over 90 tenured/tenure-track and 44 non-tenure-track faculty members. CASE offers more than 85 different academic options including certificates, minors, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. 

About Rolla

Rolla, Missouri offers several great advantages that help individuals enjoy a high quality of life. Rolla is an ideal place for families, with its low cost of living, excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and a range of recreational activities suitable for all ages. The Ozark Scenic Riverways and beautiful landscapes offers abundant opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts of every lifestyle. With its vibrant community, Rolla hosts multiple events, concerts, art exhibitions, and theater performances throughout the year. The university’s Leach Theatre showcases nationally renowned performers for campus and community alike.  Overall, living in Rolla offers a high quality of life with a supportive community, affordable living, beautiful natural surroundings, and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. 

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses.  For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website.

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer. To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 573-341-7734.